Bitchat Toppes App Charts in Uganda as Authorities Cut Internet

Uganda's communications authority ordered all mobile internet providers to suspend services less than 48 hours before the presidential election. The move was justified as a measure to prevent misinformation, electoral fraud, and incitement of violence. Internet services were suspended on Tuesday, January 13, at 6:00 pm local time according to BBC reporting.

President Yoweri Museveni is seeking a seventh term in office, facing his main challenger, Bobi Wine, a former musician turned politician. The election has drawn heightened security measures, including military deployments in the capital, Kampala. Opposition figures have raised concerns about the authoritarian implications of the internet shutdown.

Amid the internet blackout, Bitchat, an encrypted messaging app using Bluetooth mesh networks, has become the most-downloaded app in Uganda. The app is now ranked at the top of the Apple App Store and Google Play in the country.

Why the Move Happened

The Uganda Communications Commission stated that the internet shutdown is a precautionary measure to ensure peace and national stability. Nyombi Thembo, head of the commission, said that the internet was being used to promote hate speech and misinformation according to The New York Times.

The decision has been criticized as a tool to suppress election-related information. Critics argue that the blackout limits voters' ability to access real-time updates and could manipulate the election outcome as Cointelegraph reports.

How Markets Responded

In related tech news, Ugandan authorities have historically used internet shutdowns during elections. This marks the third straight election in which internet access has been blocked. A similar situation occurred during the 2016 and 2021 elections.

Meanwhile, global markets have seen growth in demand for quantum-resistant secure chat SDKs, a market forecasted to reach $3.28 billion by 2029. This growth reflects increased concerns over secure communication amid cyber threats according to Global Newswire.

What Analysts Are Watching

The use of Bitchat highlights the increasing reliance on alternative communication methods during internet shutdowns. The app has also seen adoption in other countries experiencing internet disruptions, such as Nepal, Madagascar, and Jamaica according to Cointelegraph.

The election is a rematch between Museveni and Wine, with the latter gaining significant support among the youth. Wine has accused the electoral commission of vote rigging and criticized the internet blackout as a move to prevent protests as The New York Times reports.

The outcome of the election could have broader implications for Uganda's political landscape. Analysts are watching for any signs of irregularities in the election process and how the internet shutdown affects voter turnout and election transparency according to AP News.